Coin operated refuse compactor system

ABSTRACT

A coin operated refuse compactor system having a conventional compacting device provided with a receiving portion, and an arrangement for guiding refuse to this receiving portion. At least one pivotally mounted door is arranged for selectively blocking the guiding arrangement and retaining refuse therein. Advantageously, this door is arranged in an outlet opening of the guiding arrangement, while a covering door is arranged in a guiding arrangement inlet opening. A linkage is connected to the door and the covering door for positioning the door in an outlet opening blocking position when the covering door is in an inlet opening uncovering position, and conversely positioning the door in an outlet opening unblocking position when the covering door is in an inlet opening covering position. A, for example, electrically operated lock is provided for normally locking the covering door in an inlet opening covering position, while a coin operated switch is connected to the lock for selectively releasing the covering door in the presence of a coin in the coin operated device. Simultaneously with the release of the covering door is the actuation of a time delay which will eventually actuate a linear motor of the compacting device. The outlet door will open upon closing of the inlet door so as to release the refuse into the receiving portion of the compacting device for being compacted by same.

United States Patent Grubich et al.

[451 Feb. 26, 1974 1 1 COIN OPERATED REFUSE COMPACTOR SYSTEM [76] Inventors: Allan M. Grubich, Star Rt. C, Box

24, Camdenton, Mo. 65020; James E. Potter, IV, 200 Broadview, Columbia, Mo. 65201 [22] Filed: July 5, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 269,191

[52] U.S. Cl 100/53, 100/215, 100/229 A, 194/4, 214/35 R [51] Int. Cl B30b 15/30 [58] Field of Search... 214/17 B, 35 R; 100/53, 215, 100/229 A; 232/43.1; 194/4 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,513,771 5/1970 Felts 100/229 A 990,369 4/1911 Metten 214/35 R 1,539,161 5/1925 Columbro 100/96 Primary ExaminerBilly .1. Wilhite Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A coin operated refuse compactor system having a conventional compacting device provided with a receiving portion, and an arrangement for guiding refuse to this receiving portion. At least one pivotally mounted door is arranged for selectively blocking the guiding arrangement and retaining refuse therein. Advantageously, this door is arranged in an outlet opening of the guiding arrangement, while a covering door is arranged in a guiding arrangement inlet opening. A linkage is connected to the door and the covering door for positioning the door in an outlet opening blocking position when the covering door is in an inlet opening uncovering position, and conversely positioning the door in an outlet opening unblocking position when the covering door is in an inlet opening covering position. A, for example, electrically operated lock is provided for normally locking the covering door in an inlet opening covering position, while a coin operated switch is connected to the lock for selectively releasing the covering door in the presence of a coin in the coin operated device. Simultaneously with the release of the covering door is the actuation of a time delay which will eventually actuate a linear motor of the compacting device. The outlet door will open upon closing of the inlet door so as to release the refuse into the receiving portion of the compacting device for being compacted by same.

12 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures COIN OPERATED REFUSE COMPACTOR SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for feeding refuse to a refuse compacting device, and more specifically to such apparatus which is intended for coin operation and usable with standard refuse compacting devices.

2. Description of the Prior Art A problem of increasing importance today is the disposal of wastes such as refuse. There has been a trend in recent years to compact refuse into smaller areas by the use of devices referred to as compactors. This compacting is advantageous as it reduces the number and- /or size of containers necessary to hold a given amount of uncompacted refuse, eliminates the number of refuse pickups required, and so forth.

Further, in many areas the refuse must be transported by private parties to a central collection point. Often these central points are services of private interests, and frequently it is desirable that the patrons of the services pay therefor on an actual use basis as opposed to a subscription basis. As with most services, it is advantageous if the necessity of an attendant at the central collection point is eliminated by employing coin and/or paper currency actuated devices to control the compacting equipment. However, this equipment must be of a nature permitting its operation to be safe and foolproof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a refuse compacting system specifically for coin operation.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device which will permit standard compactors to be adapted for coin operation.

These and other objects are accomplished according to the present invention by providing an apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device. This apparatus has an arrangement for guiding refuse into a receiving portion of an associated compacting device, and an arrangement for selectively blocking the guiding arrangement and retaining refuse therein.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the guiding arrangement is provided with an outlet opening, and the blocking arrangement is arranged at the outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same. The guiding arrangement is further provided with an inlet opening and has walls defining a passageway between the inlet and outlet openings. A pivotally mounted door is advantageously provided for selectively covering and uncovering the inlet opening.

A linkage may be connected to the blocking arrangement and the inlet opening covering door for positioning the blocking arrangement in an outlet opening blocking position by placing the covering door in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking arrangement in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the covering door in an inlet opening covering position.

The blocking arrangement may be at least one pivotally mounted door operably connected to the covering door for movement therewith. Advantageously, a pair of operably connected, pivotally mounted doors are provided, for the blocking arrangement.

A lock is preferably provided for locking the covering door in an inlet opening covering position, while an arrangement is provided and connected to the lock for selectively releasing the covering door in the presence of a predetermined condition. Advantageously, the predetermined condition is coin or paper currency.

A gravity feed of the refuse into the receiving portion of the compacting device may be achieved by arranging the guiding arrangement above the compacting device, with the outlet opening thereof adjacent the receiving portion of the compacting device and the inlet opening of the guiding arrangement spaced from and on a line through its outlet opening and the receiving portion.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a refuse compacting system provided with adapting apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view showing the arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view showing, on a larger scale, a portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the structure set out in FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a control circuit for apparatus according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings show an apparatus 10 according to the present invention for feeding refuse (not shown) to a suitable, known type of compacting device 12. Apparatus 10 has an arrangement 14 for guiding refuse into a receiving portion 16 of device 12, and an arrangement 18 for selectively blocking arrangement 14 and retaining refuse therein.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, arrangement 14 is arranged adjacent a ramp 20 which, for example, motor vehicles and the like may drive over to reach a position adjacent apparatus 10. Although ramp 20 has been indicated as intended for motor vehicles, it is to be understood that access to the present invention may be only by a, for example, walkway if so desired.

As mentioned above, compacting device 12 may be of any suitable, known type conventionally used for compacting refuse and the like. These conventional compactors generally have a linear motor 22 for actuating a blade 24, which may be a dozer type of blade, and compacting refuse into a container 26. Since the construction of compacting device 12 is conventionalany standard manufactured unit being usable with apparatus 10 according to the present invention-its construction will not be discussed in detail herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, ar rangement 14 has an outlet opening 28. As can be appreciated from the figures, arrangement 18 is arranged in opening 28 for selectively blocking and unblocking same. Arrangement 14 is further provided with an inlet opening 30 and has walls 32 defining a passageway between opening 30 and opening 28. In order to ensure good gravity feeding of refuse into device 12, arrangement 14 is arranged above device 12 with opening 28 adjacent portion 16 and opening 30 spaced from and on a straight line through opening 28 and portion 16. A door 34 pivotally mounted as by rod 36 arranged coaxial with a pivot axis, is provided for selectively covering and uncovering opening 30. A handle 38 is provided on door 34 for manipulating same in a known manner between its covering and uncovering positions.

An arrangement 40 is connected to arrangement 18 and door 34 for positioning arrangement 18 in a position blocking opening 28 when door 34 is in a position uncovering, or permitting access to opening 30. Contrarily, arrangement 18 is positioned so as to unblock, or permit passage through opening 28 when door 34 is positioned so as to cover opening 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, arrangement 18 has a complementary pair of doors 42, 44 pivotally mounted on a pivot axis as by a respective rod 46, 48, arranged coaxial with a pivot axis so as to swing toward one another for blocking opening 30 in a one position thereof, and away from one another for unblocking opening 30 in another position.

Arrangement 40 has a lever 50 connected to door 34 for pivotal movement about rod 36 therewith, a lever 52 connected to door 42 at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement about rod 46 therewith, and a link 54 pivotally connected to free ends of levers 50, 52 for transmitting and movement of one lever 50, 52 to the other lever 52, 50. Doors 42, 44 are provided with respective arms 56, 58 connected thereto at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement about rods 46, 48 therewith, and a further link 60 pivotally connected in a known manner to free ends of arms 56, 58 for transmitting a movement of one arm 56, 58 to the other arm 58, 56. As can readily be understood from FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, a covering and uncovering movement of door 34 will cause a respective unblocking and blocking movement of doors 42, 44.

A, for example, electrically operated lock 62 (FIG. is provided for normally locking door 34 in a position covering opening 30. A suitable, known arrangement 64, illustrated as coin operated, is operably connected to lock 62 for selectively releasing door 34 and permitting the opening of same for access to opening 30 in the presence of a predetermined condition such as a coin inserted in coin slot 66. The presence of the predetermined condition will close a switch 68 (FIG. 5) actuating lock 62 to release door 34 and start an operating cycle for motor 22 by actuating a suitable known time delay 70. This delay 70 may be, for example, an electric clock timing mechanism.

Although a coin operated arrangement 64 has been illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that any other similar type of arrangement could be used with an apparatus according to the present invention.

In operation, an apparatus 10 is used by first inserting a coin or coins through coin slot 66 and into arrangement 64 for closing switch 68. Door 34 may now be opened to permit access to opening 34 and refuse deposited into arrangement 14. Since doors 42, 44 will be closed when door 34 is open, arrangement 14 will form a hopper for the refuse. Simultaneously with the closing of switch 68 and the actuation of lock 62 will be the actuation of time delay 70. After the refuse is deposited 5 into arrangement 14, door 34 may be moved to the closed position, thus unblocking opening 28 and releasing the refuse into receiving portion 16 of compacting device 12. By properly setting the time period which will elapse before time delay 70 will actuate motor 22, door 34 will be returned to its position covering opening 30 before blade 24 begins its stroke to the right as viewed in FIG. 2 of the drawings. This stroke will push the refuse into container 26 (FIG. 1). Thus, access to receiving portion 16 is not available while door 34 is open, and a safe and foolproof coin operated system is achieved.

It is to be understood that the adapting apparatus according to the present invention may be used with portable and mobile compacting devices (not shown) as well as the stationary device 12 illustrated in the drawings.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device, comprising, in combination:

a. means for guiding refuse into a receiving portion of a compacting device;

b. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, and the blocking means being arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, the guiding means being further provided with an inlet opening and having walls defining a passage between the inlet and outlet openings;

c. cover means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening;

d. manipulating means for selectively placing the cover means in positions covering and uncovering the inlet opening; and

e. means separate from the manipulating means for connecting the cover means directly to the blocking means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by directly placing the cover means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the cover means in an inlet opening covering position.

2. An apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device, comprising, in combination:

a. means for guiding refuse into a receiving portion of a compacting device; b. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, and the blocking means being arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, the guiding means being further provided with an inlet opening and having walls defining a passage sition, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening covering position, the covering means being a pivotally mounted door having a pivot axis and the blocking means is at least one pivotally mounted door also having a pivot axis, and the positioning means having a lever connected to the covering means door at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement therewith, a lever connected to the blocking means door at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement therewith, and a link pivotally connected to a free end of the levers for transmitting a movement of one lever to the other lever.

3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the blocking means door is a complementing pair of pivotally mounted doors each having a pivot axis and arranged to swing toward one another for blocking said outlet opening in a one position thereof, and said positioning means includes arms connected to the doors at the pivot axes thereof for pivotal movement therewith and a further link pivotally connected to free ends of said arms for transmitting a movement of one arm to the other arm.

4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein means is provided for normally blocking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position, and further including means connected to the locking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of a predetermined condition.

5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the releasing means is a coin operated arrangement, and the predetermined condition is the presence of a coin in the arrangement.

6. A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion thereof, and said inlet opening spaced from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion.

7. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein means is provided for normally blocking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position, and further including means connected to the blocking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of a predetermined condition.

8. A structure as defined in claim 7, wherein the releasing means is a coin operated arrangement, and the predetermined condition is the presence of a coin in the arrangement.

9. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion of the compacting device, and said inlet opening spaced from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion.

10. A refuse compacting system, comprising, in combination:

a. a compacting device provided with a receiving portion;

b. means for guiding refuse to said receiving portion;

c. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, with the blocking means arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, an inlet opening, and walls defining a passageway between the inlet and outlet openings;

d. means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening;

e. manipulating means for selectively placing the cover means in positions covering and uncovering the inlet opening; and

f. means separate from the manipulating means for connecting the cover means directly to the blocking means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by directly placing the cover means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the cover means in an inlet opening covering position.

11. A refuse compacting system, comprising, in combination:

a. a compacting device provided with a receiving portion;

b. means for guiding refuse to said receiving portion;

c. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, with the blocking means arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, an inlet opening, and walls defining a passageway between the inlet and outlet openings;

d. means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening;

e. means connected to the blocking and covering means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening covering position;

f. means provided for normally locking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position; and

g. coin operated means connected to the blocking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of coins in the coin operated means.

12. A structure as defined in claim 11, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion of the compacting device, and said inlet opening spaced from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion.- 

1. An apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device, comprising, in combination: a. means for guiding refuse into a receiving portion of a compacting device; b. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, and the blocking means being arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, the guiding means being further provided with an inlet opening and having walls defining a passage between the inlet and outlet openings; c. cover means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening; d. manipulating means for selectively placing the cover means in positions covering and uncovering the inlet opening; and e. means separate from the manipulating means for connecting the cover means directly to the blocking means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by directly placing the cover means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the cover means in an inlet opening covering position.
 2. An apparatus for feeding refuse to a compacting device, comprising, in combination: a. means for guiding refuse into a receiving portion of a compacting device; b. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, and the blocking means being arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, the guiding means being further provided with an inlet opening and having walls defining a passage between the inlet and outlet openings; c. means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening; and d. means connected to the blocking and covering means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening covering position, the covering means being a pivotally mounted door having a pivot axis and the blocking means is at least one pivotally mounted door also having a pivot axis, and the positioning means having a lever connected to the covering means door at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement therewith, a lever connected to the blocking means door at the pivot axis thereof for pivotal movement therewith, and a link pivotally connected to a free end of the levers for transmitting a movement of one lever to the other lever.
 3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the blocking means door is a complementing pair of pivotally mounted doors each having a pivot axis and arranged to swing toward one another for blocking said outlet opening in a one position thereof, and said positioning means includes arms connected to the doors at the pivot axes thereof for pivotal movement therewith and a further link pivotally connected to free ends of said arms for transmitting a movement of one arm to the other arm.
 4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein means is provided fOr normally blocking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position, and further including means connected to the locking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of a predetermined condition.
 5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the releasing means is a coin operated arrangement, and the predetermined condition is the presence of a coin in the arrangement.
 6. A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion thereof, and said inlet opening spaced from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion.
 7. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein means is provided for normally blocking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position, and further including means connected to the blocking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of a predetermined condition.
 8. A structure as defined in claim 7, wherein the releasing means is a coin operated arrangement, and the predetermined condition is the presence of a coin in the arrangement.
 9. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion of the compacting device, and said inlet opening spaced from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion.
 10. A refuse compacting system, comprising, in combination: a. a compacting device provided with a receiving portion; b. means for guiding refuse to said receiving portion; c. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, with the blocking means arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, an inlet opening, and walls defining a passageway between the inlet and outlet openings; d. means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening; e. manipulating means for selectively placing the cover means in positions covering and uncovering the inlet opening; and f. means separate from the manipulating means for connecting the cover means directly to the blocking means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by directly placing the cover means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the cover means in an inlet opening covering position.
 11. A refuse compacting system, comprising, in combination: a. a compacting device provided with a receiving portion; b. means for guiding refuse to said receiving portion; c. means for selectively blocking the guiding means and retaining refuse therein, the guiding means being provided with an outlet opening, with the blocking means arranged at said outlet opening for selectively blocking and unblocking same, an inlet opening, and walls defining a passageway between the inlet and outlet openings; d. means for selectively covering and uncovering said inlet opening; e. means connected to the blocking and covering means for positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening blocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening uncovering position, and positioning the blocking means in an outlet opening unblocking position by placing the covering means in an inlet opening covering position; f. means provided for normally locking the covering means door in an inlet opening covering position; and g. coin operated means connected to the blocking means for selectively releasing the covering means door in the presence of coins in the coin operated means.
 12. A structure as defined in claim 11, wherein the guiding means is arranged above the compacting device with said outlet opening adjacent the receiving portion of the compacting device, and said inlet opening spacEd from and on a straight line through said outlet opening and the receiving portion. 